Loneliness is a growing crisis among young people, deeply tied to mental health challenges like depression and anxiety. But what type of loneliness affects them most? In this episode, youth from around the world share their experiences, revealing that emotional loneliness—feeling unseen and unheard—is the most pervasive.

📢 To ensure the protection of youth participants and maximize anonymity, all youth voices in this episode are AI-generated.

Join the conversation at podcast@youthresearchvox.org.

Welcome to the first Thought-Partner episode of 2025! As we step into a brand-new year, we explore one of the most profound aspects of human connection: friendship. Anchored by a touching poem, What Is a Friend?, this episode invites listeners to reflect on the timeless essence of friendship.

Do you have a question you’d like us to answer with a poem? Send your questions to podcast@youthresearchvox.org. We look forward to featuring your question in a future episode!

Lori Cosgriff, President of the 29 Palms Food Pantry, discusses her background and the

pantry's operations. They serve 200-250 families per month through three distribution programs, including a USDA distribution and a senior-focused distribution. The pantry faces challenges like rising food costs and fewer donations due to the pandemic, but relies on community support and volunteers to keep running. Lori emphasizes the importance of treating recipients with respect and understanding their struggles, while also encouraging self-sufficiency when possible. She expresses interest in increased collaboration and education around food insecurity in the local community.

Joyce interviews Linda Wong, a dynamic individual whose journey spans from humble beginnings in rural China to becoming an influential educator and leader. Linda shares her story of immigrating to the U.S. at a young age, navigating various jobs, and ultimately discovering her passion for education and leadership.

Linda Wong is the founder and CEO of SPARK Academy, an educational organization that has been transforming the lives of children and families in the San Gabriel Valley for the past decade. As a vital partner of local school districts, SPARK Academy provides tutoring services in all subjects to thousands of students annually, from kindergarten through 8th grade.

In this episode of Youth Research Vox - Thought-Partner Podcast, host Joyce Coffey sits down with Søren Hermansen, Director of Samsø Energy Academy, to explore the power of community-driven sustainability.

Søren shares his experience transforming the small Danish island of Samsø into a global leader in renewable energy, offering insights on how local involvement and ownership are key to successful sustainable development projects.

They discuss the importance of evaluating a community's readiness for SDG initiatives, the impact of bottom-up versus top-down approaches, and how young leaders can take these lessons forward to drive change in their own communities. Tune in to hear how local action can truly create global impact!

In this episode, Joyce Coffey explores the complexities of Generation Z, a group often misunderstood by older generations. Through a heartfelt poem, the podcast gives voice to Gen Z's desires for understanding and support, urging older generations to see them for who they truly are and to stand by them in their journey.

Do you have a question that you would like us to answer with a poem? Send your questions to podcast@youthresearchvox.org. We look forward to featuring your question in a future episode!

In this episode, Joyce Coffey interviews Sandy Smith, executive director of the Copper Mountain College Foundation, delving into her motivations and dedication. Sandy discusses her deep connection to the Hi-Desert community, her fundraising work, and her involvement in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club.

Sandy highlights the community's collaborative spirit, which has led to achievements like the establishment of Copper Mountain College. She emphasizes the college's impact on students through its diverse programs and dedicated professors.

In this episode, Joyce delves into the unique and vibrant community of the Morongo Basin, located in Southern California, known as the “Hi Desert”, where residents treat their home like a living person. Joined by Steve Brown, a resident and lifelong journalist, they explore the intricate biodiversity of the desert, including the iconic Joshua tree and the ancient creosote bush. They also discuss what makes the community special, highlighting Steve's impactful work at Copper Mountain College.

Steve Brown is an accomplished journalist and the public relations specialist at Copper Mountain College, where he oversees the award-winning publication, Cacti Chronicles.